Portal:Radiation astronomy/X-ray astronomy article/6

Solar X-ray astronomy is a branch of X-ray astronomy which focuses on understanding the origin of X-ray emission from the Sun. Most of our current knowledge of the Sun comes from observing it in the visual portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, when observed with appropriate instruments in the X-radiation portion of this spectrum the Sun is almost a variable star, and at times almost a dark star.

GOES 14 was launched into orbit on June 27, 2009 at 22:51 GMT from Space Launch Complex 37B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. GOES 14 is a more recent satellite to be launched with X-ray detection capability currently in operation. The importance of X-ray astronomy is exemplified in the use of an X-ray imager such as the one on GOES 14 for the early detection of solar flares, CMEs and other X-ray generating phenomena that impact the Earth.